This Howie SZN is off to a little bit of a different start.
When Howie Roseman asked Eagles fans for patience, he must have known a purge of talent from a Super Bowl team was on the way. The latest: Standout guard Mekhi Becton signing a two-year, $20M deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Of course, that gives the Eagles another compensatory draft pick in 2026. Assuming Roseman doesn’t mess with that treasure chest by signing a (relatively) big name left on the open market, the Eagles will enter the next two drafts with more ammo than any team. We’re talking 20 draft picks over two seasons, including 12 (and five of the top 100) in 2026.
While that’s fun, adding that many rookies over two years probably doesn’t fit a win-now roster. Which means Roseman has ammo to make trades. Some can be to move up to target players Eagles scouts might love. But some could be for veterans that are available on the trade block.
Here are five players (from role players to a superstar) the Eagles could use draft picks to trade for before in the near future, sorted by 2025 salary.
Bo Melton, WR, Packers
Age: 26
Contract: Through 2025
2025 salary: $1.03M
Why it could happen: Green Bay has a plethora of wide receivers, but lacks a true No. 1. If that kind of player is acquired (through a first-round pick, trade or veteran signing), the team could consolidate its resources at the position before having to pay young players more than they could be worth there. Melton, a jack-of-all-trades, has caught passes, rushed the ball and returned kicks in his brief NFL career.
Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Lions
Age: 26
Contract: Through 2025
2025 salary: $1.1M
Why it could happen: Detroit has given out contracts to Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone at the linebacker position, while having 2023 first-rounder Jack Campbell emerging as a playmaker. Rodriguez seems to be the odd man out, and can be depth for the Eagles behind Zach Baun and Nakobe Dean. Let's call him this year's Oren Burks.
Nick Cross, S, Colts
Age: 24
Contract: Through 2025
2025 salary: $3.6M
Why it could happen: The Eagles need a Chauncey Gardner-Johnson replacement. Cross finally lived up to the billing of a third-round pick last season, intercepting three passes while registering 146 tackles. Indianapolis is remaking their secondary, including allocating big cap resources toward free agent corners and safeties. If an extension for Cross isn't in the cards, it wouldn't be surprising to see him on the move before his walk year.
Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Jets
Age: 26
Contract: Through 2025, with fifth-year option for 2026
2025 salary: $4.1M
Why it could happen: The Eagles originally had two picks in the 2022 first round (one was traded for A.J. Brown), which means Roseman and the scouting department did a ton of work on that class. It's shown lately. Jordan Davis (drafted No. 13 overall), Kenyon Green (No. 15), Jahan Dotson (No. 16) and Kenny Pickett (No. 20) are either here or have been here in an Eagles uniform. Let's add Johnson II (No. 26) to the mix. The Florida State product has had an up-and-down tenure with the Jets and the defensive coach that drafted him (Robert Saleh) is no longer in the building.
Micah Parsons, EDGE, Cowboys
Age: 26
Contract: Through the 2025 season
2025 salary: $24M
Why it could happen: Am I allowed to dream? Parsons is my NFL Juan Soto. I want him in Philadelphia at all costs, regardless of how fans here currently feel about him. We're talking about an all-time start (52.5 sacks, 4 All-Pro selections in four seasons) to his career. If Parsons stays healthy and on this track, he'll be in Canton one day. Would the Cowboys actually trade him here? Probably not, but Jerry Jones is in his Al Davis era. Anything is possible. The Eagles have long-term cap issues, but adding a player like this would make other more difficult decisions worth it. Parsons and Jalen Carter would be the NFL's best defensive duo for the next half decade. I'd trade the proverbial farm for him.
The WIP Midday Show will be in Clearwater for Phillies spring training today and tomorrow. We’ll be joined by J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott and Orion Kerkering. Listen on 94 WIP or Audacy.
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